3 Interview Tips to Select and Retain Top Talent

Are you a C-level health care executive looking for the perfect fit for an open position in your company and tired of constant turnover? Or maybe you hired the perfect candidate only to lose them less than a year later? If so, these interview tips will help you ask the right questions to ensure you not only select the best candidate for the job, but that you can retain them for the long term as well. We suggest you consider the following often over-looked advice when reviewing resumes of potential employees, so that you can ask the right questions in the interview.

Where do they live? Will the candidate have a long commute? Are they planning to re-locate for the job? If they will be driving a long distance, the commute can eventually become draining and you may lose them to burnout down the line. If, however, they are willing to re-locate in order to take the position, it may indicate they are serious about staying around for the long haul. Sample questions to ask: “It seems like you would have quite a drive to work, do you anticipate that being a problem for you?” “I noticed you would have to re-locate for this position. What is it about this job that makes the move worth it for you?”

Are they over-qualified? If the applicant has previously made a significantly higher amount of money, they are likely to take the job out of desperation. The problem with this is the ability to retain the employee. They will be gone as soon as they get a job at a higher rate of pay. Also, if their education level is significantly higher than what the listing asks for (a Master’s degree as opposed to a Bachelor’s,) they will become easily bored with the job and you will always be at risk of losing them to a more senior position. Still, there are times in a person’s life when they may look for decreased responsibility at work, perhaps after a child is born and they have more responsibility at home. In any event, it is worth asking about the reason they are seeking out this position. Sample questions to ask: “I noticed you have an advanced degree. Do you think this position will challenge you enough?” “At this point in your life, what do you look for in a work environment?”

Do they have an interest in the type of work you do? Even if this employee has a perfect track record, if they have never worked in your specific segment of the medical field before, their motivation is questionable. They are much more likely to stick around if they have a vested interest in your company’s purpose. If this is the first time they have worked in this part of the industry, ask why. Sample questions to ask: “What about working for this company interests you?” “I see that you have not worked in this segment of the industry before, what about it is attractive to you now?”

By keeping these 3 ideas in mind, your next new hire is much more likely to become your next to retire!

Please contact us to learn more about our expertise in Executive Search for Commercial Leadership positions in Medical Device and Biotechnology; including Marketing, Strategy, Sales Leadership, Training, Development, etc. We look forward to the opportunity to help you consistently improve your performance and your business!

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